Ashley Dawn Cook was 12 years old when she was murdered in Warren, Ohio, on October 11, 1999. Adams entered the home of Esther Cook and her daughter that night, beat and stabbed Esther, then beat, raped, and strangled Ashley.

Adams was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, and two counts of rape in connection with the deaths. Witnesses reportedly saw Adams with blood on his hands, clothes, and shoes soon after the crimes, and DNA evidence was said to link him to the scene. He had lived with Esther and Ashley from Christmas 1998 until March 1999, and was also convicted in the August 1999 murder of Roslyn Taylor, whose body was later found in a burned car.

The jury found Adams guilty on all counts and recommended the death penalty; the trial court sentenced him to death. Appeals followed and the Ohio Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and sentence. If anyone knew Ashley, Esther, or their household, or has information about the events surrounding October 11, 1999, please come forward.